Bumping into your ex for the first time since a split is always going to be awkward. But the fireworks are not likely to be exploding anytime soon for Russell Brand and Katy Perry.

In a bizarre twist of events the Brit comic, 36, has been mysteriously uninvited from a star-studded awards show to avoid a confrontation with estranged wife Katy.

Katy, 27, is collecting a gong for her hit album, singles and tour at the People's Choice Awards in LA on January 11 where she’s up for seven awards, including Favourite Female Artist.

It will be her first official job since Russ filed for divorce after just 14 months together and both her and Russell had initially been invited.

A source said: “It will be Katy’s big night, a prelude to the Grammys, and now Russell has been strangely left off the list of attendees for the high-profile event.

“It was always going to be awkward for organisers in any case after their shock decision to split. But in order to avoid any awkwardness or confrontation Russ is no longer on the list.”

The couple, who were married in October 2010, spent Christmas thousands of miles apart before Russell filed for divorced the day before New Year’s Eve.

While rumours surfaced it was down to Russell’s desire to start a family, new US media reports claimed the split was because Katy couldn’t keep up with Russell’s appetite in the bedroom, and Russ’s disapproval of her party lifestyle.

A source told American magazine Us Weekly: “Katy was kinky enough during their first times together and he was very attracted to her. When things got bad, if they got a roll in the hay, they were always better after.”

Katy revealed she was absolutely shattered after a gruelling year of touring the world with her 122-date California Dreams tour. It left her with very little time to see her husband, the pair were last pictured together at a charity benefit in LA on December 3.

The source said: “Russell always needs someone there and that’s not Katy. She’s busier than he is.”

They spent Christmas 7,000 miles apart - Katy in Hawaii, Russell in Cornwall - before he instructed lawyers to start divorce proceedings days after they were both pictured without their wedding rings.

"But while broody Russell was eager to start a family, it seems Katy had other things on her mind. The I Kissed A Girl singer said: “I think before I do anything, I need to take a little catnap - a real long catnap, because I’m tired.”

Well, she’d better perk herself up for the hectic award season ahead - where by the looks of things she’ll be walking the red carpet on her lonesome.